Definition
根 (gēn) is the basic word for 'root' — literal (tree roots) or figurative (the root of an issue). 根本 (gēnběn) is more abstract ('fundamental, basic'), and 根源 (gēnyuán) specifically means 'root cause'. As a classifier for long slender objects, 根 is the most general (sticks, cigarettes, ropes); 枝 (zhī) is for thin stick-like objects (pens, branches), and 杆 (gǎn) for rigid rods (fishing poles, flagpoles).
noun
rootbasisorigin
classifier
for longslender objects such as stickscigarettesropes
Measure word · 条
Easily confused
- 跟gēnlook-alike(preposition) with; together with; (indicating comparison) compared to
- 恨hènlook-aliketo hate
- 良liánglook-alike(adv, literary) very; used in set phrases before certain adjectives (多, 久, 苦, etc.)
- 银yínlook-alikesilver (the precious metal)
- 很hěnlook-alikevery; quite
- 狠hěnlook-alike(adjective) ruthless, fierce, ferocious, determined
- 限xiànlook-aliketo limit; to restrict
Examples
- 根。Zhè kē shù de gēn hěn jiànkāng.The roots of this tree are very healthy.
- 。Zhè shì wèntí de gēn yuán.This is the root of the problem.
- 根。Tā ná chū yì gēn shéngzi lái kǔn xiāngzi.He took out a rope to tie up the box.
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